I'm sometimes asked by new patients — 'couldn't my regular dentist just do this?' It's a fair question. Your family dentist is a skilled professional you trust, and in many places, dentists do offer braces and aligner treatment. But there's an important distinction between a general dentist and a specialist orthodontist, and understanding that difference can affect the quality of your outcome significantly.
What a General Dentist Does
A general dentist completes a 5-year BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) degree and is trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of oral health conditions — tooth decay, gum disease, extractions, root canals, fillings, and general cosmetic dentistry. Your family dentist plays a critical role in maintaining your oral health throughout life. They are typically the first person you see when something feels wrong in your mouth, and they're excellent at it.
What a Specialist Orthodontist Does
A specialist orthodontist has completed additional postgraduate training beyond the BDS. In India, this is a 3-year MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) programme specifically in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics. During this training, we study tooth movement mechanics, jaw growth patterns, bite function, facial development, and the full range of fixed and removable orthodontic appliances in far greater depth than is covered in the BDS curriculum. I hold an MDS in Orthodontics and have spent my entire career focused exclusively on this one field.
Can a Dentist Provide Braces?
Yes — and many do. For very straightforward cases of mild crowding, a competent general dentist with additional training in orthodontics may deliver a perfectly adequate result. However, for anything beyond basic cases, the depth of training required to diagnose root causes, choose the right mechanics, and manage treatment complications belongs squarely in specialist territory. When things don't go to plan mid-treatment — and sometimes they don't — a specialist has significantly more tools and knowledge to adapt.
The Difference in Practice
The most meaningful difference isn't just the qualification — it's the daily focus. A general dentist sees hundreds of different conditions in a week. A specialist orthodontist sees only orthodontic patients, every day, for their entire career. That depth of focused experience matters when you're trusting someone to move your teeth predictably and safely.
What to Look for When Choosing
- Check for an MDS qualification specifically in Orthodontics
- Look for membership of the Indian Orthodontic Society (IOS)
- Ask whether they practise orthodontics exclusively
- Request before/after photographs of similar cases
- Confirm they offer a full range of options — braces, aligners, and specialist appliances
When Should You Specifically See an Orthodontist?
- You or your child has crowded, spaced, or misaligned teeth
- You have a noticeable overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite
- Your dentist has referred you for specialist assessment
- You're considering braces or invisible aligners
- Your child is 7 or older and hasn't had an orthodontic check yet
- You've had previous braces and your teeth have shifted
As a specialist orthodontist visiting clinics across Navi Mumbai — including Kharghar, Panvel, Seawoods, Kamothe, and Ghansoli — I offer free first consultations to all new patients. If you're unsure whether you need an orthodontist or just a dentist check, the easiest step is to come in. I'll give you an honest assessment and direct you appropriately. WhatsApp or call any of my clinic locations to book.
